Bananas play a major role in global food security and household incomes, particularly in low-income, food-deficit countries and regions where banana production can be one of few viable, legitimate options for employment. The banana industry, including in leading export countries like Ecuador, consists of countless smallholders that depend on banana production for their livelihoods. For instance, in Ecuador, approximately 70% of the total banana producers are small producers with less than 30 hectares.

Smallholders face numerous and varied challenges within the industry, including complex biotic and abiotic stresses that affect production and yields; accessibility to international markets; sharp increases in costs; a focus on due diligence and international standards; and others. In light of these challenges and following discussions with interested stakeholders and a comprehensive consultation process with small producers (in Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic) and organisations working closely with small producers, a Smallholders Commission was established under the framework of the World Banana Forum. The Commission, which was approved by the Steering Committee of the WBF in November 2022, aims to create a space for smallholders to convene, discuss, and effectively develop action plans for the benefit of all smallholders in the industry.

Objective:

The objective of the Commission is to provide a platform for smallholders to share information and experiences regarding the challenges they face in the banana industry and develop concrete, multi-faceted approaches that actively and efficiently provide real, short-term and long-term solutions for smallholders. The active participation and collaboration of smallholders in the Commission is a vital element to ensure an accurate portrayal of the reality of the situation and the development of evidence-based solutions.

The Commission is open to all members of the WBF, and will be coordinated by various constituencies, with a focus on small producers. It will meet four to six times per year and will hold one to two dedicated webinars annually to present priority topics and the activities carried out by the Commission.

Priority Topics of the Commission:

1. Adaptation and impact of regulations: Discuss how evolving regulations, including the European Organic standards and due diligence laws, affect smallholders and develop common strategies for compliance.
2. Inclusion of gender and youth: Advocate for the engagement of youth and women in smallholder farming.
3. Smallholders’ Involvement: Enhance the involvement of smallholder organizations in multistakeholder platforms and discussions where critical topics like living wages and income are addressed.
4. Sustainable Production Advocacy: Advocate for sustainable and resilient production systems, with a focus on agroecological practices such as biocontrol, land access, knowledge exchange, and technological transfer.
5. Fundraising for Smallholders: Discuss strategies to increase fundraising efforts to support projects aimed at smallholder farmers.

If you are interested in joining the Smallholders Commission, please contact Victor Prada at [email protected] and/or WBF Secretariat at [email protected].